How to Build an Octagonal Marble Table

An octagonal marble-topped table can add beauty and functionality to your room. A small or low octagonal marble-topped table might be used as a coffee table or end table, or for purely decorative purposes to hold a vase or other item. A large octagonal marble-topped table can serve as a dining table. Building an octagonal marble-topped table requires a few basic tools and some experience with woodworking.

Instructions

1

Buy a slab of marble for your table top. Cut the marble or have it professionally cut into an octagon of the dimensions you need for your table top. For a lighter table, use a slab that is 1 inch thick or less.

2

Build or buy a pedestal table base. If your table top is more oval-shaped than circular, select a dual pedestal base or two individual pedestals. For stability, each pedestal should have at least four legs, and the diameter of the table top should not be more than 10 inches wider than the width of the square formed by the legs.

3

Cut your plywood into an octagon the same size and shape as your marble table top. Center the plywood on your table. Bolt it to the mounting plate. If your pedestal base does not have a mounting plate, add L-shape supports and bolt the table top to the supports.

4

Spread construction glue evenly on the plywood. Carefully lay your marble table top on the plywood, matching the placement so that no wood is visible. If necessary, sand away any wood that is visible from the top of the table.

5

Measure each side of the octagon. For each side, mark the length on one piece of oak trim. Mark a 45-degree angle extending from the mark on each end, and cut along the angle. The resulting piece of trim should fit against the side of the table top for which it was measured. All eight edge pieces together should form a border around the table top.

6

Glue trim pieces to the edge of the table. The top of each trim piece should be flush with the marble top. Gently sand away any uneven edges.

7

Paint or stain trim and other unfinished wood to complete your table. Allow the paint or stain to dry, then begin using your table.